A small clunk

[contraption22]

I have a small clunk that happens when pulling out from a stop. I checked the passenger side upper and lower torque struts and found that upper one was loose. Tightned it up but it still seems to have a clunk. It feels like it is comming from the driver's side. Perhaps it's the trans mount. Anybody had a stock trans mount fail on them? Symptoms? Suggestions?

[20w/ashelby]

If it's at all relative my base neon does the same thing. It's not very noticeable and not there all the time. If/When I figure it out i'll let you know.

[ScottD]

Going straight or when turning the wheels?

[contraption22]

Going straight.

[ScottD]

What about a tie rod end or strut mount? Or the strut itself?

[contraption22]

I'm starting to think you're right, and it may be strut or strut mount related. Tie rods are tight. Perhaps the lowering springs were a mistake.

[ScottD]

I was thinking strut because I did a bunch of reading about lowering springs and the opinion about the stock struts sucking was pretty consistent.

[contraption22]

Yeah i did a fair amount of research before I purchased them, and the consensus at the time were that the Mopar Springs would be ok with the stock struts. Maybe I will invest in a set of Illuminas.

[turbojerk]

Lower balljoint?......

[rich tideswell]

have you checked the verticle front control arm bushing?

[contraption22]

I shook the front end down, so the ball joints and tie rods seem tight. I did replace the control arm bushings with poly stuff a few months ago. I will check them tonight, and make sure they are tight. I am also going to perform the engine alignment proceedure in the FSM.

[turbojerk]

I shook the front end down, so the ball joints and tie rods seem tight. I did replace the control arm bushings with poly stuff a few months ago. I will check them tonight, and make sure they are tight. I am also going to perform the engine alignment proceedure in the FSM.

To check the lower ball joints you almost need a pry bar to wedge between the lower control arm and k-member to relieve the pressure from the sway bar to check for any movement.

Engine alignment procedure:

(1) Loosen all motor mounts.
(2) Take car out and beat it around to within an inch of it's life.
(3) Achieve "natural" engine alignment.
(4) Retighten motor mounts.

:thumb:

[contraption22]

To check the lower ball joints you almost need a pry bar to wedge between the lower control arm and k-member to relieve the pressure from the sway bar to check for any movement.

Engine alignment procedure:

(1) Loosen all motor mounts.
(2) Take car out and beat it around to within an inch of it's life.
(3) Achieve "natural" engine alignment.
(4) Retighten motor mounts.

:thumb:

Hehehe... supposedly there is a degree of pre-load on the torque struts that is needed for proper alignment. The FSM says to put a jack under the transmission and tilt the engine back until there there is a certain distance between two pionts. I have to look it up when I get home.

[contraption22]

Troy wins the cookie. Vertcal control arm bushing bolt worked itself a little loose. Too tired to go beating on it tonight. Will try it out tomorrow.

[ScottD]

That's interesting. A result of some hard launches at the drag strip?

[contraption22]

That's interesting. A result of some hard launches at the drag strip?

Could very well be. It was wheelhopping like a SOB at SDAC. Haven't driven it much since then.

[turbojerk]

Troy wins the cookie. Vertcal control arm bushing bolt worked itself a little loose. Too tired to go beating on it tonight. Will try it out tomorrow.

Mmmmm,... cookies!!! http://sanseverything.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/cookie-monster3.jpg

[contraption22]

Clunk is gone! Thanks Troy and all for your suggestions

[rich tideswell]

post#10
have you checked the verticle front control arm bushing?


Troy wins the cookie. Vertcal control arm bushing bolt worked itself a little loose. Too tired to go beating on it tonight. Will try it out tomorrow.

My name isn't Troy....... and where's my cookie?

[contraption22]

OOPS my bad. Thought it was Troy that suggested it.

What is your name Rich?

You prefer Oreos, Chips Ahoy!, Otis Spunkmeyer?

[black86glhs]

You said "Spunkmeyer!":D

[turbojerk]

My name isn't Troy....... and where's my cookie?

Yeah, but you wish that it was!

Cookies are all gone......

[rich tideswell]

Yeah, but you wish that it was!

Cookies are all gone......

You little S.O.B. !!!!! Those were my cookies!:thumb: :D

[rich tideswell]

What is your name Rich?

You prefer Oreos, Chips Ahoy!, Otis Spunkmeyer?

:lol: Are you kididng me? Asking what my name is like dailing '0' to ask the operator what's the number for 911 .

Chips Ahoy soft bake preffered :thumb: